The Nigerian Army has identified operational effectiveness, manpower development, troop welfare and institutional reforms as the key pillars of its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, outlined the strategic priorities during an interactive session with media executives held as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele said “the Army Chief also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the institution’s operational capacity and responsiveness to emerging security threats.”
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The Army leadership said the transformation agenda is anchored on sustained investments in operational capability, human capital development, personnel welfare and sound administration to strengthen the Service’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate and support national security objectives.
Lieutenant General Shaibu attributed recent operational gains to the strategic leadership and continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the provision of critical resources has enhanced the Army’s capacity to confront terrorism, banditry and other emerging security threats.
He said that ongoing joint operations with sister services, security agencies and international partners have disrupted criminal networks, neutralised terrorist elements and restored stability in several operational theatres.
The COAS disclosed that the acquisition of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, armed drones and the continued expansion of Nigerian Army Aviation have significantly improved operational reach, precision strike capability and rapid response.
On manpower development, Lieutenant General Shaibu described quality training as an integral component of troop welfare, saying “the Nigerian Army has expanded its recruit training capacity with the establishment of two additional training depots in Osogbo, Osun State, and Amasiri-Idda, Ebonyi State, complementing the existing Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.”
He said the initiative is aimed at producing more disciplined and mission-ready personnel to meet Nigeria’s growing security demands.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed that troop welfare remains central to operational effectiveness, highlighting ongoing investments in new accommodation, subsidised education through Nigerian Army Command Schools, improved medical services and the implementation of the Group Life Assurance Scheme, which he said has benefited about 15,000 personnel.
He stressed that enhanced welfare packages approved by the Nigerian Government are strengthening morale, esprit de corps and mission focus across the Service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further emphasised that prudent resource management, transparency, accountability and increased patronage of indigenous defence industries, including the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Command Engineering Depot, Kaduna, and the Special Vehicle Plant, Bauchi, are improving logistics, boosting self-reliance and enhancing institutional efficiency.
The Army Chief also commended the media for its professionalism and balanced reporting, describing credible information management as an increasingly important component of contemporary warfare.
He urged journalists and Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through responsible reporting and collective vigilance, stressing that national security requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
